What would you do if you if you are in a temperature controlled room, have a comfortable bed and have nothing to do? Sleep!. In similar circumstances, the dog would do a lot of sleeping too. Dogs are known to do a lot of sleeping. A dog would commonly sleep more than half the day away! This would make some people think that dogs are a lazy lot.

Generally, dogs are known to be very active animals. These animals would even develop destructive habits if opportunities to expend their excess energies are not provided by the owner. Dogs like humans would derive benefits from sleeping. However, there are various reasons for the dog’s inclination to sleep a lot.

General health condition, personality and the level of activity largely influence the dog’s sleeping pattern. Although dogs generally have high energy levels, some breeds like the Newfoundland and St. Bernard are naturally “slow moving” dogs. These breeds are even called rug or mat dogs because of their inclination to lie down rather than indulge in strenuous activities. Would you believe these breeds known as rug dogs can sleep for about 18 hours a day.

Working breeds are different as these dog will be seen up and about doing their work. A dog utilized to herd or protect livestock would be seen constantly patrolling the area where the animals being protected are located. While working, sniffing dogs used by law enforcers to find bombs and narcotics would not be seen sleeping. Farm dogs that perform varied functions would find little time to curl and sleep.

Dogs of apartment dwelling owners would have more time to sleep unlike farm dogs that are given ample chance to roam freely thus they would not be seen sleeping the day away. Owners would ensure that the pet has all the comforts it can have. From being barn dogs that sleep anywhere and in any kind of weather condition, dogs now live in temperature controlled homes and sleep in softly padded beds complete with doggie blankets. These conditions would entice the dog to sleep most of the day. Dogs may appear to be soundly asleep but they would wake up at the lightest sound. Dogs have the ability to be alert the instant they are roused from sleep. Dogs may sleep a lot but the heightened senses enables these four legged friends to be awake in an instant thus they can be depended to protect the human family.

Obviously dogs like to sleep, but why do dogs sleep so much? Come on over to Sarah’s Dogs and find out more.